How to fix dpkg-deb: error: paste subprocess was killed by signal (Broken pipe) in APT

First, verify you have sufficient free disk space, especially on critical partitions:

df -h

Look for partitions that are 85% or more full. If /boot is full, consider removing old kernel images. If /var is full, clean up apt cache:

sudo apt clean
sudo apt autoclean

Check the full output of your apt command for clues about which packages are conflicting. Look for messages like "trying to overwrite '/path/to/file', which is also in package [package-name]". Note down the conflicting package names and file paths.

Use apt to repair any broken package dependencies:

sudo apt --fix-broken install

This command will attempt to resolve any incomplete package installations or dependency issues.

If you have identified conflicting packages, you can force dpkg to overwrite the file. This should only be used when you understand the conflict and are willing to replace the file:

sudo dpkg -i --force-overwrite /path/to/package.deb

After forcing the overwrite, repair any remaining issues:

sudo apt --fix-broken install

If the issue persists, rebuild the package database cache:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -f

The -f flag tells apt to fix broken dependencies. If this still doesn't resolve the issue, you can attempt a dpkg configuration reset:

sudo dpkg --configure -a

If you have a Timeshift or other system backup created before the failed installation, restoring from the snapshot is the safest way to recover. This completely undoes the failed package operation and returns the system to a known working state:

# Launch Timeshift from system menu or via terminal
timeshift-launcher

Select a snapshot from before the failed installation and restore.